Chronic Pain

Old Archived Threads for Chronic Pain

Ben Parr — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:12:50 -0700

Here's a direct link to the old Chronic Pain forums if you want to see topics that were made on the old boards:

Archives of Past Chronic Pain Threads

I’m still not admitting that I’m depressed,

jj-from montreal — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:09:13 -0700

I am a logically thinking person, in my mind things have to make sense or I don’t except them. I am aware of my present situation, I’m aware of what my limitations are , I know what’s a head of me;. All this, “I…nbsp; have come to terms with, is this so impossible to believe.

my first post

Patty — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:58:15 -0700

Hi everyone,

This is the first time I have posted. I am a long time, frustrated back pain sufferer.

12 point plan for chronic pain

John — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:01:46 -0700

12 point plan for chronic pain

Although I do support the notion of having a plan and even b and c, chronic pain does not conform to the norms of improvement, and as we all know it is generally one step forward, and many back on some occasions.

The attack approach of my newbie days have been subsumed by a more calm overall strategy and we all need to work out what works for us rather than the collective. We presume that if we cannot achieve the projected status we are in some form not working hard enough and that is incorrect.

21 years old and can't live with the lower back and buttocks pain. help?

bumhurts — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:50:15 -0800

I'm 21 years old and nothing has helped my pain for months. I am home now and fustrated after seeing a neurosurgeon today for the pain in my lower back(upper lumbar), my hips, buttochs, and thighs; along with extreme weakness.. ..

23 y/o old female with RSD

MariaM — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:31:20 -0700

Hello, my name is Maria, and I am a 23 year old, former collegiate distance runner recently diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), a progressive and incurable nerve disease with the main symptom being chronic, debilitating nerve pain. I used to run 50 miles a week, and now, I have difficulty standing for more than 5-10 minutes.

I just wanted to say hello!

I keep a blog about my journey with RSD. Please feel free to check it out and spread it around if you enjoy it!
http://prefontaine44.blogspot.com/

285 people looking in

j.howie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:28:09 -0700

And 8 on line at this moment. come on in! Register make a request for info, Give some info, make some friends, or be anonymous. or just vent. I lurked on the old site for a long time, and got a lot of info. I felt guilty because I was taking and not giving anything back. I learn what I can and try to pass on any helpful information I might know. And sometimes just be supportive. And its so comforting to know that someone actually knows how I feel. Someone in here is just like you. So register and take all you can, and give all you can. I did and I'm glad I did!
Good luck, Jim

2nd mri results confused need help

dawn1068 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:48:12 -0800

Hi everyone.

Thanks in advance for your help. I been having severe neck and shoulder, arm and hand pain and numbness, including numbness on left face. I have had chronic pain in the lumbar spine for 5 years now.

A Day in the Life of a Person with Chronic Pain

dilauro — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:25:48 -0700

Ever look back and try to 'map' out a day you have had?

a few questions

helpless — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:50:02 -0800

Well I have a DDD, Mild retolisthesis of the L4 and L5. I tear in the annular central. A disk heriation in the L5 and the disk abuts the left and right nerve roots. I'm on a muscle relaxer, vicdin, and tromadol. I have jumped threw every hoop that the doctors have ask me to. I know that they what to do surgery but this has been going on for about 9 months. I just want to know how long everyone else had to do all this tricks for the doctors before the would schedule surgery?

A time for joy (but inside I am terrified)

markm0320 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:48:38 -0700

Hello All -

Aaaargh! Starting to feel like a linebacker again!

fancypants — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:47:40 -0700

Oh noooooo, please, please, please I don't want to do this again...When the pain starts to get really bad, I start to feel like a NFL defensive player...I feel so stiff and swollen and like my shoulders are coming up to my ears because my muscles WON'T RELAX!! And I can't do a darned thing about it, I'm still waiting on my PM dr., but nothing is working and I am deathly afraid...My lower back was locking up yesterday, which it bothers me on occasion, but when things start to domino, it goes from the top of my head to my bottom, muscle spasm wise...Everything kind of just collapses.

Acceptence

j.howie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:46:51 -0800

After fully waking up and getting pain level down. I decided that I felt I was going to have a pretty good day. So thinking of all of the "undone, things to do list" I would tackle a bunch of it. Then I thought, Ive been down this road before. Maybe I'll do half of the list. I'll feel good about the day and myself.
Well wait a minute, I'm setting myself up for defeat and depression.
So plan A will be do x,y,&z. plan B will be do x&y Plan C will be do x and try to be satisfied.
I managed to get plan B done, with a little help from my pain meds and not do to much damage to my back.

Acticare TSE / Daddy of TENS Machines .... Anyone Use it / Results?

meandmyback — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:57:34 -0700

Acticure is a TSE machine with a built in TENS machine too, used specifically for Spinal Pain, its very expensive - thats the only draw back, but i've saved and managed to treat myself to one!

more info : http://www.acticare.com/

like the title says, has anyone used / using the Acticure Machine ?

If so, what results have you had ?

Ive spoken with a few people with Spinal Neuropathic Pain and they say 'they couldnt live without it'

I've just bought one - its coming tomorrow - cant wait !!

Any advice on how best to use would be great

many thanks mel xx

advice plz: seeing rhemotologist next week

wingnut4 — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:54:59 -0700

Im seeing a rhemotologist next week for the third time to try and get some answers to my condition. I havent been properly diagnosed but the best they can come up with is myofascial pain syndrome.

Im seeing two different specialists, both ruemotologists but seeing one privatly and the other through healthcare (from the uk).

Has anyone any advice for what ive to do when I see them again?? or things i should ask?

Am I treating my pain properly with medication?

Dumbjaw — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:16:27 -0700

This is my first post. I appreciate any insight! I could've posted this in the Scoliosis forum, but I felt the content was more relevant to the chronic pain aspect of the Scoliosis.

My name is Matt and I'm 31 years old. I've been dealing with scoliosis pain ever since I was about 18 years old. This past year, the sensation turned from a dull discomfort to... heightened discomfort. Sometimes it's painful, sometimes it's achey, but it is always, always very annoying.

This is the consolidated results of both x-rays I've received, word for word, without any omissions or edits:

And so it begins....new symptoms, new worries

tawny-taz — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:56:37 -0700

I have posted in the new members introductions a couple of times. Bad back from neck to tailbone, fractures, DDD, bulges, hemangiomas, EXCRUCIATING headaches, constant pain, etc. Read in full detail in my other posts. Anyway, lately I have been having some tremors in my hands, controllable but noticable. Sunday I had a bad headache 3rd in a week, and was having some tremors. I was feeling kind of weird (nothing scary), my son done something funny and I found that I could not smile. I would try to but all that would happen was and uncontrollable spasm in my cheeks.

ANS SURGERY

Cambran — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:35:10 -0800

WOW!!! I have been through hell & back again & again!!!! Had ANS stimulator installed 10-9-08 this was my 3rd surgery this year. To make a long story short it helped tremendously for 2 weeks untill I shorted out. yep you hear me right...i had a wire go bad and it shorted out and it was basically shocking the heck out of me.

Any folks out there from Healthboards?

Executor — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:05:11 -0800

Curious if anyone here posts over @ HB? I would like to re-acquaint with old friends.

Regards,

Any haul truck drivers here?

sagehen — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:41:46 -0700

I'm considering going back to driving a haul truck ( in a surface mine) when I go back to work in a couple months.I think I might be able to handle it, but just wanted to hear from anyone else doing the same thing. I know I'm gonna hurt no matter what I'm doing, so I may as well make good money while I'm doing it.
Thanks Sagehen

Any suggestions Im in pain!!!!!!!

Radicalrus1970 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:56:29 -0700

Hello to anyone that may help , Im a 38 yr old male, and I had back surgery over 10 yrs ago, and to make a long story short, the Dr messed up on me, Well I still have back problems, nerve damage in both legs, both legs have foot drop, and left leg has no feeling up to knee, I also have had a spinal Stimulator instaled to try and control the pain,It helps some but no cure!, I wanted to know if any one could help me with this paticular pain I have in the left foot and Calf, It comes basically whenever.

anyone

shirley — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:38:39 -0700

anyone out there who has scheurmanns and spondy l5 s1

Anyone diagnosed with shingles?

Cambran — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:20:36 -0700

I was just diagnosed with shingles after a month and a half of going back & forth to doc. I am not broke out on body...just on palm of hand.

anyone get throbing pain in the lower back with sciatica

dawn1068 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:15:30 -0700

hello everyone,

ANYONE ON THIS SITE BOTHERED BY PEOPLE TYPING IN CAPS

dawn1068 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:18:49 -0800

JUST HAD A COMMENT ON A POST HAPPY ABOUT MY MRI APPROVAL AND SEEING MY NUEROSURGEON AND SOMEONE REPLIED I AM YELLING? I JUST CAN SEE BETTER WHEN IM TYPING IN CAPS ON MY LAPTOP. NOT YELLING AT ALL. JUST WONDERING SINCE SOMEONE SAID SOMETHING ABOUT IT IN MY OTHER POST. DOES IT OFFEND ANYONE? SORRY IF IT DID... DIDNT THINK IT MATTERED HERE, WHO HAS TIME FOR GRAMMAR AND COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY WHEN WE CAN BARELY SIT AT THE COMPUTER TO ENJOY A FORUM LIKE SPINE HEALTH!WE ARE ALL IN PAIN SO I THOUGHT IT WOULDNT MATTER HOW WE TYPED. WONDERING WHAT OTHERS THINK? THANKS ALL

SINCERELY,
DAWN

Anyone With Herniated Disc and Burning Knee Pain?

harmon25 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:32:21 -0800

Age 20, diagnosed a bit over a month ago with HD in L4-L5. I have had diff symptoms of it since (the tingling, numbness, etc) however most of my pain now is in my knee.

I have some back stiffness and a bit of pain in my back but all of my pain is really in my knee on the side where my back hurts (the left). It is mostly above and below the knee cap and is just a real burning type of dull pain. No other way to describe it but burning.

Anyone with MS???? Or family members??

TerriJV — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:10:55 -0700

Hi Everyone,
I hope this day finds you well
I would like to know how many of you out there have MS? I know I have 4 cousins in wheelchairs due to this. All from the same family.
Your symptoms as they vary from person to person.
How long it took to get a diagnosis?
What treatments are you on and how they work for you?

Anyone witha Spinal Cord Stimulator

Disabled American Veteran — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:30:10 -0700

I have a question if i may. If you have been implanted with a SCS what is your current status. example below

Reason: My S-1 nerve on left side was damaged during a operation.

Number of leads: 1 only on left side

Drugs taken still and dose: Only oxycodone.. 1 every 6hrs.. Which isn't enough but i am on clearing out my system right now.

The pain drugs is a big concern of mine with people that have a SCS. I would like to see how much pain meds people with SCS are still taking to help keep their pain in check. Please post

Michael

Arachnoiditis

crcaswell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:55:56 -0700

Is there anyone out there with arachnoiditis that has had any luck with any treatment other the implanted pain pump and implanted stimulant pump. Even with these the pain remains at 8, legs are both numb. I make myself do things because all the doctors in my small area don't know what to do. Looking for suggestions. When you look this up everything you read says debilliting and that is not going to happen to me. I know I cann't return to my profession as dialysis RN, but I would be happy to get to at least clean part of my own house.

arachnoiditis

porsch1 — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:32:02 -0700

I am new and noticed a posting from Rebecca, I too have arachnoiditis from spinal injections of methotrexate from Acute LYmphoblastic Leukemia, I am in Illinois. We are a rare few. Paula
It is actually my 23 year old son, Ian who has gone throuhg this not me, but I am looking for anyone to talk too and change info with.

Are My Fears Justified

harmon25 — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:09:05 -0800

I'm a 20 yr old male soon to be 21. I got an MRI for bad back pain, diagnosed by my neurologist and orthopedist as a slight Disc Herniation in L4-L5

For a bit over a month now I have had most of my pain in the front of me knee. Not on the knee cap, but mostly right above it. Some burning sensation at times and it used to be worse than it is now, but still hurts. I used to have typical HD, pain such as numbness, tingling, pain radiating down the leg but never so much on the knee.

AWFUL pain almost 2 years after back surgery!!!!

onlyonelucy — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:36:51 -0800

back and neck pain

melissa37 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:44:57 -0700

hi im new to this message board and i was just wondering if anyone has any advice for me regarding my pain? i have had 2 microdiscectomies at L 4-5 and a fusion that went wrong (at the same level). i have had constant pain ever since my fusion 4.5 years ago. i have also tried physical therapy, excercise, chiropractic care, and just about every type of pain meds out there. i am currently taking norco and sometimes a fentanyl patch(lowest dose), lyrica and celebrex. but regarding the norco i was wondering if anyone knows of a possible more potent prescription that may be available?

Back Pain

mclifton — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:31:20 -0700

Is there anyone out there like me?

back pain

NSGA_CTR4 — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:39:48 -0700

I have had back problems for over 31 years but it did not manifest itself until the mid 1990s when I had 3 surgeries to remove L4/L5 in a 2 year period.

I have been pretty much ok with my back for the past 11 years but 2 month ago,I did something which changed my life. My doctor saw the way I was walking even with the help of a cane and put me in a wheelchair a month ago. I am still having a hard time dealing with that. Sometimes I still feel like I am a burden to my family.

back pain

dorothy — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:36:04 -0700

hi, I have a couple of posts under pain meds but I also
wanted to post here. I was at the market and unloading
my groceries in my trunk. I lifted a shopping bag and the handle broke and as I lifted it, I got the worst spasms
in my lower back. I also get a sharp pain in my right
buttock and it even hurts when I walk. My acupuncturist
says that the nerve is in the right buttock and that's why
it hurts when it flares up. I've also gotton pain in
my left buttock but not as severe. I get so afraid when
I get the spasms because I never know when they will

back pain

kmpetty — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:30:38 -0700

Only at night, I wake up with back pain and front chest pain, under breast bone...have had myriad of tests! just had a lumbar spine X-ray and top of back X-ray....had a car accident in 2004....no Doctor can tell me what the deal is......I have had heart monitor on, have had EKG...now taking mylanta, but last night still woke up twice with chest and back pain....like someone has a rope around my middle.......anyone else have this?..kp

Back pain unbearable - please help

auroredawn — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:40:04 -0800

I started suffering with back pain 4 years and 1 month ago, about 1 month into my pregnancy. I had various physio exercises that i did later on in the pregnancy after the pain was steadily getting worse, but all the experts told me that after i had given birth, it would settle down. It didn't, just got worse, what started in my lower back now was over a larger area (up to below my shoulder blades) so i sought various treatments - chiropractors, sports massage, physio, even acupuncture - none of which worked. I have been using a tens machine which gives me limited relief.

Back problems - past redemption?

8opslater — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:16:42 -0800

Hail the reader and bless the respondent.
I am 72 years old. I was poisoned during the '39 - 1945 2nd world war.
The family became lame as a result. When some strength returned and we learned to walk again some muscles had given up the ghost entirely, leaving us (my family, 3 brothers father and mother) to learn to walk using that which would work for us. The result is that i walk with a bad gate which has effected my feet (flat feet) my knees (knock knees) and my hips and spinal cord.
At that time we were in hospital for about a year in Holland. Emigrated to South Africa in 1948.

Back sugery

Lisa2008 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:00:08 -0700

Hi This is my first post. I have had leg pain since 2003 and now have numbness and tingling at the base of my tail bone. Since then I have had a plasma disc decompression in 2006 at L3/4,L4/5 and L5/S1, a discectomy at L4/5 in 2007 and again in 2008. I have tried chiro, acupuncture and nerve root blocks all with little or no pain relief. I am scheduled 10/14/08 for an open discectomy/possible fusion at L5/S1. Is anyone taking Lyrica for nerve pain and what kind of side effects have you had.

Back to LIfe Machine Informercial

meydey321 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:00:38 -0800

Has anyone seen the informercial about the BackToLife continuous passive motion machine for back pain. It is a T-shaped machine that you use by laying on your back and resting your legs on it at a 90 degree angle and it supposedly gently stretches your lower back.
There was this back "specialist" that said it would take away the need to take costly painkillers that would have a cumulative dangerous effect on the body. It will take your pain away, regardless of how long you have had it, and it relieves mild to severe pain. All at 5 easy payments of $39.99. Proposterous!

Back to Square One

Shannon — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:49:35 -0800

So anyone that may have read my introduction knows I've had chronic neck/shoulder and upper back problems for over 5 years now. Often times my neck and shoulders will literally lock up on me for days - on an average basis I'm generally just in pain, tired and depressed though.

Bad Burning pain !! So tired of dealing with this all! Please read sorry so long!

Misty Spirit — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:14:46 -0800

Hey all,
Some may already know me from my old screen name.."Chrissy1311

I was in a car accident in July 2007, and then in Jan of 2008 had a posterior cervical foraminotomy at C 3-4 and C 4-5...What an awful surgery. I had a neuro who did this first neck surgery.
He told me right form the start that later I would probably need to be fused but he did not like to fuse people my ag...
To make a really long story short I later found out that he was thinking I was in my late 20's and I at that time was38.

Bad day with chronic pain!

Pixie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:16:55 -0800

Sitting typing this with my left hand, as the muscle spasms in my right arm have gone into meltdown. Just downed 2 diazipam and waiting for the pain to level out.

Sometimes I wish that I could have a normal day. Dont have time for this tomorrow as I have to attend my pain clinic. And have to somehow get there for my yearly catch up.

Bad stomach pain UPDATE bad news

manalerie — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:23:26 -0700

Hello guys... long time no talk

I woke up this morning with some pretty bad upper stomach pain. It hurts to breathe, and hurts really bad to move or touch. I feel pretty bloated, and I am sure its just gas pain. I swear though, this feels just like when I had gallstones... before I had my gallbladder taken out!

Midwife wants me to see my primary Dr. since she doesn't think this is pregnancy related, but scheduled me for an ultrasound today just in case.

bath time pain management

RGerrish — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:05:56 -0800

My friend recommended me finding EDITED for aches and pains, stress and tension, and cold and sinus. add 1/3 of a cup each to bath water nice and hot close the door to keep the heat and wonderful effervescent vapors ahhhh soo nice..... sit and soak for 30 min or so with your favorite book or nice low music and candles(be careful when playing with fire)..... sweet relief... well somewhat at least. If you can't use em give em to your significant other as a bath time treat to give them time to pamper themselves(my wife loves them). hope these help

EDITED

enjoy the link.

Be Honest with Your Self

ToYoungforThis — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:15:45 -0700

Be honest with your self are you giving it your best to recover?

I woke up this morning and had terrible guilt. I can't stop thinking about what my Sergeon said to me. He asked if I felt that i have been taking a active role and really trying hard with my recovery and physical therapy. The more I think about it i'm not so sure that I am, do we let the pain get to us so bad that we give up and don't try. I do go to PT 2xs a week for 1hr. 1hr is a long time, I do PT for my neck, low back, SI joints, and arthritis in knees. Also have 3 very active kids, and only 30 yrs old.

Best doc for pain and understanding?

tarheelgirl — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:15:06 -0800

Ok, in all your opinions, who is the best doc to go see for all this pain? I have a good PM (actually my PCP). I have been to an ortho surgeon who is useless...sent to to PT, but conservative with meds and doesn't believe the amount of pain is real. Would an arthritis doc better understand the DDD problems? Or do I really need a psychologist to just listen. I feel so unvalidated...like "so what you have 3-disc cerv DDD and a new herniated disc that is disabling your life". Who is most caring or does it depend on the doctor?

Big toe pain, both feet -at rest

etrok — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:26:05 -0700

Severe pain and burning, both feet and only at rest. Able to walk, hike, run, etc without pain. Elevation of feet (even driving a car), sitting in a recliner, etc
causes immediate painful burning in both big toes. Have visited many specialists and had almost every conceivable test (X-ray, MRI, PVR, Angiogram).
No consensus as to cause. Tried steroid injections, many medications such as Nerurontin, Diclofenac, Lamictal, also Acupuncture and Raiki. None have proved very helpful.
Now under "Pain Management" using Lido/Nifed deep gel and a TENS device

Bilateral Sacroiliitis what are symptoms????

ToYoungforThis — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:50:01 -0700

Please see post below for I have changed this posting due to getting new test done.

Paula

Blood Pressure And Pain

Bfromaz — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:39:37 -0700

I'm having a bad day lol. Went in for my second visit to my rhemy this morning and my BP was 170/90. This is much higher than it normally is.

After letting her know my pain level has been worse the last month she upped my pain meds and told me no more ibuprophen or nsaids that raise BP. I ended up with sulindac ( does not raise BP ).

A year ago my wieght was at 300lbs with out of control diabetes and eating ibuprophen like candy and I was never that high.

blurry vision, numbness on face, spots on brain

linjane1113 — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:47:21 -0700

I am new here and was looking for anyone else that is
experiencing what I am. I recently have been having numb
ness in front of my ear and behind my ear on the right side
with blurry vision. I have spots on my brain, been tested
for MS. spinal tap came back normal. I also have fibromyalgia, DDD, Graves disease, possible RA in hands,
arthritis in neck and spine. I have gotten no where with
the drs and am seeing new neurologist in Oct. but this
blurry vision is driving me crazy. Can anyone relate?
linjane1113

Bot did I cry today

dmoonchild — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:42:43 -0800

Ya know how all of a sudden ya wake up one morning and think "i just cant do this one more day". Well today was that day for me. I get these about once a month where I'm just so sick & tired of having pain suck the joy out of me. Today I was angry at my pain. We got the kids ready for school and I just broke down, in front of my kids and everything. My husband just held me as I sobbed for 10 min. Both my kids came over and hugged me too and said everything will be OK Mommy. I didn't want them to see me like that but I had no control. I HATE this pain I hate it!

breast reduction questions

delta_dawn67 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:13:30 -0800

I have chronic lower back, neck and shoulder pain and excruciating headaches caused by ddd and 3 herniated disks in the lower back and "nothing major" in the neck according to the doctor who couldn't be bothered to read the MRI report. I am very seriously considering breast reduction and I would love to hear from any of you have gone through this. Please tell me if the pain was as horrible as I'm imagining? Did it help with your back pain and any other symptoms you had? If you could go back would you do it again? Thank you to anyone who is willing to share their story!

Breath Taking

backpainishell — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:59:25 -0700

Hiya,
I am going to describe my lastest symtems, can anyone tell me if they have had the same experience . I wake in the mornings with sharp breath taking pain my back in a spasm . I get a burning pain in my right hip. i am getting a radiating pain in my right leg again, similar to before i had the disctectomy . I get pain down my left leg just to the knee. Pain in my right elbow its a sharp pain but when i put my arm up , its as though its an heavy weight pulling it back down. I would be grateful of any personal input, your so miserably. Angie

Angie x

Broken 80mg Oxycontin tablets! Help!

topfuelfan — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:35:14 -0800

I recently had my prescription refilled, which are 80mg Oxycontin, and 3 of my pills are broken. I was filling my daily pill reminder box and came across the first one so I turned the bottle upside down and could see all of this white powder and blue bits.

Burn, Baby, Burn!!!

Hopeformeyet — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:37:55 -0700

Hi Everyone! Can anyone tell me what causes the severe burning sensation that accompanies my thoracic and lumbar pain. It feels like I'm on fire under my skin and yet when I touch my skin it is not hot at all. Ice is the only thing I have found that will touch this pain, but I can't walk around all day with an ice bag in my britches and another between my shoulders. LOL Anyone know any medicines that relieve this? Thanks! Hope

Can anyone help me?

Mom of 4 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:08:29 -0700

This isn't for me, it's for my 14 yr old son. I don't know where to look for more info. I was just told this morning that my son has a 2 degree buldging disc. What's the difference and will he NEED to have surgery? We have an apt with a Neurosurgeon, but it's not until Oct 17th. He's had lower back pain since Nov last yr, but they never done any tests until last week.
Has anyone had this problem? Will he really have to have surgery or can it be treated with physical therapy? He is going twice a week right now.
Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Melissa

Can I add any more emotional pain?

luvuniformandcuffs — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:04:51 -0800

I just found out that I am pregnant two weeks ago and have seen 3 doctors for advice due to all of the medicatons I am on. I have done so much research on my own - but today I saw my PM Dr and he also said that I needed to terminate the pregnancy due to meds and my condition. So here I turn for help and grasp at a last minute reprieve.

Can I be fired?

dmoonchild — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:58:02 -0700

I just returned to work from 3 months FMLA due to my back. This makes 4 months all together. I was out in May also. Anyway, I was told first thing this morning that I was being written up for mistakes that were made and I could be fired. I also got yelled at by another boss. I have a meeting with my big boss on Thursday. He didnt even have the balls to tell me himslf today. He had our Union Rep do it.

Can't subside the pain

Ming — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:56:45 -0800

I've been in such pain since I had my appt with PM doctor on Friday. I think it was from the twisting, turning and bending. My pain meds aren't touching the pain, I've tried resting, heat, ice everything. The pain is so excruciating in my lower back, down my legs, butt and I notice more crunching and cracking in fusion area than I had before. I have an appt with PM on thurs for SI injections and I am hoping this is going to help.

Can't Take It

Grace44 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:22:51 -0800

It's been six months since i haven't been able to do anything because of my back. I'm 18 and i couldn't even hang out with my friends on new years eve because i can't stand or sit very long or at all.

I got an epidural in late october, getting another one on the 9th.

I have herniated discs from L4-S1, and a wicked bad muscle spasm in my lower left side, sometimes, i literally can't move my left leg.

I don't sleep well, if at all.

Cervical Stenosis,Fibromyalgia,DDD,Mild Scoliosis,Hemangioma

Mindovermatter — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:50:31 -0700

Hi everyone i was diagnosed wih all these things wrong with me last year. I have been living in pain for along time. I worked in warehouses most of my life and the kind of work that i did involved alot of heavy lifting.

Chest Pain

dmoonchild — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:57:45 -0800

For the past few days, Ive have been getting chest pain, not like a heart attact ) not that I know what that feels like) It ususally happens when I cant take the pain anymore. It is way out of control. Ive been at 8 on the pain scale for a week now with no relief. My PM switched my BT meds last visit on Oct 21. From 7.5 hydrocodone 4 x's a day to 5mg Oxycodone 3 x's a day. Not only am I having BT pain Its a constant pain even after I take my Oxycontin ( which was doing the trick) Im also getting my 2nd EPI on Nov 19th ( cant wait). Im just curious if anyone else gets the chest pain?

Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia

Razzle51 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:36:31 -0700

Just wondering if anybody else on the boards have it. I do but had the surgery to fix the chiari . was wondering if anybody has heard of Neuragen for pain. It was in the AARP magazine . thanks

Chiropractor Anyone?

Bfromaz — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:42:54 -0700

Got Desperate this week and decided to try a chiro. Picked one with imaging equipment and traction equipment.

After doing xrays his diagnosis was DDD type 2 ( Well on its way to 3 )through out my entire spine. The little xray chart matching the type of DDD he showed me matched my xrays. He also stated I had 75-90% movement loss in my neck and 90%in my spine. He stated that traction and chiro treatments would slow the further decline in my spine.

Chronic B. pain Have to pop my back dozens of times a day..

guitarwhiz1977 — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:17:58 -0700

Hi everyone- new member here. I cannot believe I never joined this group years ago!

So I've had chronic back pain since I was 23 and I'm 30 now
My MRI doesn't show anything unusual, no relief from phys therapy, exercise or painkillers or chiropractors. X rays are fine. Epidurals helped , but only for 3 weeks.

Chronic back pain

Ann H — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 04:41:47 -0800

Good Morning, it's been a long time since I last posted and was rather suprised to see the site was moved, but luckily I found it.

I have a problem with my chronic back pain as well as looking for a new pain management doctor.

CHRONIC Lower back, buttock, thigh, knee, and ankle pain

Jenny S — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:17:17 -0700

I have been dealing with chronic pain for the last two months. In the beginning I thought it was my kidney stones acting up and I even changed urologists to get a second opinion because my urologist told me there was nothing he could do for me. I went to a second urologists who of course wanted to run every test he could which is very expensive and he told me there was nothing he could to that it was probably a nerve given my symptoms and to see an Orthopaedic surgeon.

chronic myofascial pain

girl_with_a_broken_smile — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:03:39 -0700

Hiya!

Chronic Pain - break down

zachback — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:13:19 -0800

I know many of you are going through a lot of pain right now. Trying to find ways to relieve it one way or another. Have any of you ever thought if you have to live this way for the next 20, 30, 40 years, how would you feel? I feel so invalid that way. Someone suggest that I should see a shrink - right, like he is going to take my phyiscal pain away. I mean, it is natural to feel upset and depress when one is in chronic pain, isn't it? How many of you actually would seek consultation?

Chronic pain 8 weeks post op discectomy l4l5

crashh — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:41:43 -0700

Hello. I hope you all are doing ok. I recently had my first discectomy l4l5 on august 11 2008. Prior to the surgery I was in so much pain in my left leg and lower back that I could barely function. I was on lyrica and flexeril. that did nothing for me most of the time. That is why I chose to have the surgery. I have had many problems since the surgery. The pain in my left leg has traveled even further down and now is in my ankle and foot also and is worse than before the sugery. Back on the lyrica and a steroid dose pack for the second time and still no relief. The pain is worse than ever.

chronic pain and depression

bigcat90 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:34:41 -0700

I found this article about chronic pain and depression,at cbs news... http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/05/health/webmd/main693295.shtml?...

chronic pain and returning to work

Ming — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:55:34 -0800

Have any of you been forced to go back to work even though you are still suffering with your chronic pain because you have no other choice financially?

chronic pain and sweating!!

straker — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:18:09 -0800

yuk ..i hear you say

Chronic pain and Work

John — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:16:42 -0700

I am increasingly finding work problematic and as with most pain patients sustaining capacity is always difficult. I have spent many years attempting to return to the working environment and see the benefits that the isolation of surviving at home. I watched my life go by and used my downtime to accumulate and develop the best skills I had. The effort needed to sustain my job has increased the rest I need in comparison, it is not hard to recapture how it feels to be excluded from the workplace and the financial implication for my family.

Chronic pain is running my life!

topfuelfan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:33:02 -0700

Hello Everyone!

Chronic pain Sleep Problems

haddz — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 00:54:16 -0700

I was diagnosed with spinal arthritis two years ago (24 YO)

I dealt with it for a while but now with the sleep disturbances it is getting out of control. I went back to college for a different field since being a welder is no longer practical. The problem is now that is the pain is so bad I can no longer sleep. My last attack caused me to be awake for 50 hours. My pain is in the upper back and left shoulder and the last attack caused my hand to go numb. I have no insurance and have no funds to see a doctor.

Any suggestions?

Clothes Hurt

suziee — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 06:16:33 -0700

I have noticed lately that sometimes during the day even the clothes touching my back causes pain. Havn't been able to describe it untill last night and it is my shirt touching my back. Weird.

CNN Article on Talking to Your Doc About Chronic Pain

Mazy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:40:23 -0700

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/08/01/hm.pain.management/index.html

Coccydynia

VFarleyrn — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:27:16 -0800

Hi everyone,

coerced or what?

enchantress — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:37:23 -0800

I have the ball of wax, can't put the back problems into one category. I hope back pain sufferers will read this and answer me on this: do I HAVE TO agree with useless PT and epidurals to get pain medication relief? WHY AM I BAD TO WANT A PILL FOR 4 DOLLARS A MONTH OPPOSED TO 700 DOLLARS IN COPAYS FOR PROCEDURES I HAVE LEARNED THROUGH SUPPORT GROUPS DON'T WORK?
Who, exactly, is the nut here? The one raking in fake bucks or the person suffering being made to dance to the music? I am so tired of this..........I know not what to say anymore! Is this the only game in town??????????

Compulsive habit on craking my back

perception — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:27:27 -0800

Hi,

my first time here.

i want to ask you if there´s any topic talking about a compuslive habit to cracking(or break, i dont know the exact name) your back.
Every minute. And it´s so painfull, but if i stop, Another pain comes harder.

What the best way to stop this?
Anyone? please??

constant muscle spasm - anyone have this?

aimless — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 11:27:37 -0800

Not exactly sure where to post this, and I am going to ask my doc when I see him on the 15th, but I am wondering...

I have this constant muscle spasm in my left leg, at the top / back of my thigh, right below my butt. I would not say it is painful but I can literally feel it moving all the time. I had an MRI the other day and the movement did not interfere with that, and I do take a muscle relaxant every night (can't take them during the day). It just doesn't seem to go away.

continous pain and dr doesn't seem to do anything

terror8396 — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:10:09 -0700

As some of you know after 4 back surgeries, 2 fusion 1 lamenectoy, and removal of hardware, i have been in constant pain and now worse after my fusion in april. x-rays are normal but he does not want to do mri because he says too soon after fusion and mri will be hard to read and i am not sure you should have more surgery, will be 5 if i did. he thinks it is from going back to work too soon and post operative pain. he says it takes up to a year and a year and a half to recover from fusions. does anyone have advice of what to do?

CP

roc — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:20:16 -0700

hi everybody 8) i'm a new member and have had CP as long as i can remember. i suffer from scoliosis,kyposis,ddd,spinal arthritis,spur's,spondylitis L4-L5,fusion L5 in '83,wedging upper and lower thoracic,cervical arthritis,L5-S1 slippage... i have three types of pain,spine pain,muscle pain and the "pain" in my tailbone area that i have had for ever.i just wanted to say that i am looking forward to communicating with any CP members.

CP or IP?

Cathy S — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:16:54 -0700

Can someone please tell me at what point is chronic pain considered IP?

Cymbalta

JohnnyO — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:50:07 -0700

I just got put on Cymbalta 60mg per day. Im already on neurontin 900mg per day and oxycodoneIR as needed which I take pretty much everyday for my pain which is mostly nerve pain. I also take valium to help me sleep and muscle spasms.

I was wondering who else has used this and how it has worked for them and how long it takes to work. The doctor said it would take "awhile" to work. Thanks for the info.

Cymbalta sides ?

JohnnyO — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:12:49 -0700

Hey everyone. Ive been on Cymbalta for almost 5 weeks now. I have not had any problems until the last couple of weeks, I also havent noticed any nerve pain relief using it. Ive started noticing some possible sides the last couple of weeks that have me considering stopping its use. Ive definetly had an appetite loss and have lost weight, that was an apparant side effect early. Lately I have noticed headaches, nausea, and dizziness. I just feel weird, an uneasy feeling and find myself wanting to lay in bed a lot.

Any experience or opinions are appreciated.

cyst

maz — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:43:20 -0800

Hi I am Maz and am new to this forum today. I was looking for answers about a lumbar cyst. had an MRI in June after I was complaining (still am) of throbbing burning buttock and electric type heel pain. The pain is increased when sitting and walking. The MRI showed bilaterial facet degeneraion L5/S1 with a small cyst on the exist foramen of L5 it states this is "not obvioulsy compressing the root which may be related to the posterior joint"

D1 hockey player, desperetly needs advice/treatment

ryan9 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:31:13 -0800

I was injured in a hockey game vs. Yale on January 4, 2007. I finished my shift after the hit, rememembering exactly what happened. Sitting in the bench, my trainer came over to treet the cut from my chin that was bleeding, but i immediatly asked for tylanol for the most painful headache I have ever had. I comtinued to play the rest of the game with very short breath, nausious stomach and the feeling of being injured baddly. I then took another hit giving me more stars while playing.

Degen disc disease

treblehooked76 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:48:29 -0700

Hello everyone, my name is scott and i am now 31yrs old. i have had 2 lumbar fusions at L5-S1 levels. A few months after my first surgery, the bolts installed had backed out. I went in for my second surgery in feburary and had "revision" surgery. During this surgery, the surgeon cut me in the front and back, installing a total of 12 bolts along with cages in the front and back of my spine. Needless to say, after every surgery that I have, my pain is dramatically increased.

Diagnosed with Syringomyleia, need some advice

frey51 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:40:50 -0700

Well, lets start out and give my background. I was on the old forum, but I guess I should break it down again. I am a 27yo male, and have had back problems since 1999.

In May 2007 I had an L4/L5 laminecomy for a 7mm herniation. I had major radicopathy (sp?) down my left leg, to say the least it was pretty horrible. After my surgery I felt pretty good, the pain was almost completely gone but I would occasionally get shooting pains, burning and stiffness.

Difference in Generic meds

JohnnyO — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:32:55 -0700

Hey again everybody, hope everyone is doing ok. My message today is about the different generic's and their effectiveness. I am on 10mg oxyIR 4 times per day or as needed when in severe pain. I am always prescribed generics. I am usually prescribed Ethex but was prescribed Mallinkrofdt this latest refill. I am not sure if these are as effective as the ethex, I took 10mg and was still in pain so took another which helped.

Disability??

tarheelgirl — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:44:58 -0800

I am just wondering...how many of you are on SSD? I know its very difficult to get approved and over 95% (?) get denied first application. I'm sure many have used your company's or state's short term or long term disability, but was wondering how many were not of social security age, but received the disability benefits?

Disc Heniation of L4-5

CTaylor — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:32:40 -0700

I injured my back at work almost a year ago. It took the doctors that WC sent me to almost 6 months before they requested an MRI which took WC another 8 weeks to approve it. The MRI showed herniation in L4-L5 and is putting pressure on my sciatic nerve on the right. I have constant pain that gets worse with almost all activity, including sitting for more than 30 minutes.

Do I have any OPTIONS left

ToYoungforThis — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:01:06 -0700

I have been trying to deal with the effects of DDD, DJD, SIJD, and athritis in hips and knees.

I have had 7 spine surgeries in two years and still just chronic pain everyday. I'm to a point where I can't sit, lay on back or either side, walking is painfull with so much grinding and popping.

Docs dont believe or dont care

sickofdocs — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:59:47 -0700

I have been doctoring for almost 3 yrs now due to chronic neck, back, and hip pain. My life has become nothing but painful. I have tried every medication but I either have allergic reactions, or bad side effects. I have been on Vicodin for almost 3 yrs straight now. My dr never listens to me. He has even said to me, you will just have to learn to live with it. I have been diagnosed as bulged cervical disc, mildly herniated lumber disc, hemangiomas, DJD of neck, mid back, low back, and both hips. My pain is daily.

doctors are afraid to treat for pain all the sudden

dawn1068 — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:47:01 -0700

Hello everyone im new here,

DOES ANYONE EVER EXPERIENCE FACE NUMBNESS

dawn1068 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:09:29 -0800

HELLO TO ALL THE PAIN PATIENT ONLINE AT 1 AM THAT MEANS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE SUFFERING IN PAIN AND HERE ON SPINEHEALTH loL. WELL WE ALL NEED TO LAUGH SO WE DONT GO CRAZY. I KNOW EVERYONE IS GOING TO SAY TO ASK MY DOCTOR BUT MY ORTHO REALLY DIDNT KNOW IF CERVICAL HERNIATION COULD CAUSE NUMBNESS LEFT SIDE CHEEK. I CAN FEEL IT, JUST FEELS NUMB AND TINGLY COMES AND GOES FOR A YEAR OR TWO NOW. I DO HAVE MY WISDOM TEETH COMING IN ONE IS IN ON THAT SIDE MOSTLY BUT NO PAIN FROM IT. I DO HAVE TMJ BUT HAD IT SO LONG NEVER EVEN MENTIONED IT TO THE DOCTORS.

Does anyone have a ans spinal chord stimulator

j.howie — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:02:48 -0700

Hi,
I had an ans scs put in in dec. 06. They could never get the stimulation where I need it. And the stimulation pattern changes drastically when I sit, stand, stretch, lay down, ect, ect.
They told me they've never seen anyone wired like me. they joke and call me Mork from Ork.
The stim. goes in my stomach or in my butt.
The leads are sowen in and there has been plenty of time for the scare tissue to form around the leads.
It seems as though the people that got medtronic's don't have these problems.
I can tell if the system worked properly, I would have a great dell of relief.

Does anyone have teeth problems?

jade2 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:42:23 -0700

Does anyone have teeth problems that started when you started having chronic pain? My teeth seem to chip sometimes and I have broken some teeth. I see ads on TV about mouthwashes to strengthen teeth. Does this help or any ideas on how to get stronger teeth?.. jade

Does anyone here complain about their pain?

Allie K — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:37:43 -0700

Hi everyone,

I'm in a really bad situation right now: my parents just yelled at me and told me they are sick of me complaining about my EXCRUCIATING 10+ level pain, and they gave me so many examples of people they know who "suck it up and deal with it". I'm so angry at them right now. I suppose I shouldn't complain as much as I do but with the amount of pain I'm in , I can't think of anything else. I just hope they don't kick me out of their house.

Does this sound familiar???!?

Roeuck61 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:09:59 -0700

Hi guys,

I'm new to this, and am hoping someone can offer some advice/help... I don't know what to do anymore!

I'm 23 and 9 years ago I started to get pain in my lower back, at the top of my pelvis. The pain radiates down around the the front of my back (into my groin), down my leg (tightens at my knee) and down to my foot. I also get pain in my shoulder blade - that pain also goes around my shoulder down my arm. It only happens on one side of my body. The pain ISN'T constant; it comes and goes.

down and out in december

tim58 — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:20:36 -0800

on the 12 of december i went to my mail box to get the mail i was shocked to see i had been sent a order of protection seems my wife took something i said completely out of context while i was in a terrible mood swing from the narcotics i have to take , yes i said some thing things that hit nerves but no one knows untill they have stood in my shoes exactly what my pain is like isuffer from 5 bulging discs in my spine ,a failed fusion L3-4 to S1 i have pain 24/7 and the drugs im on are as follows oxycodone,15 mg ,tramadol,50mg 4 per day.

Driving Dilema

meydey321 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:54:04 -0800

Hi everyone,

Is there any among you who feel like giving up driving? I have such a hard time with it, and my pain goes up exponentially. My back and sciatica gets really aggravated. The only place I go to is my PM appt. each month, and I drive only when absolutely necessary. I get asked for rides but I just am not reliable and I feel guilty about it. Even if I'm a passenger, it causes me grief. Maybe I need another car

droop

backpainishell — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:10:11 -0700

can anyone tell me if they have droopy eye due 2 nerve damage, i feel im the only one, the surgeon says its due 2 all the damage 2 the verabre

Dumped

meydey321 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:39:56 -0700

I was dismissed from PT. My therapist told me around a week ago that my progress was zero. Gee, not even a tiny bit? They discharge you after a 30 day evaluation due to insurance reasons- you don't improve, they don't pay.

edema

terror8396 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:52:26 -0700

i noticed that everytime i have back surgery,4, i get edema in my foot ankles and leg which gets worse everytime. i went to dr and i do not have congestive heart failure. i don't have trouble breathing or have a cough and all of the other symptoms. have any of you had swelling in foot legs and or ankles? it is troubling, but dr reassures me that it is not that bad. it is so bad now that i am getting ulcers in my legs. water pills do seem to help some but she is going to up my dose and i am to get kidney checked this week
any input? any of you have edema which is not heart related?

enlarged kidney causing back pain?

dewy — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:34:29 -0800

has anybody heard of this?

Epidural & Pain Management?

suziee — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:32:02 -0700

Okay, my Doctor (I use that term lightly) has me scheduled for a epidural later this month, while I was at his office the person who is going to do the epidural called and wants an MRI of my cervical spine as well. I already have one of my Thorasic area which shows two mild bulging discs. I have not heard a lot of success stories with this procedure.

Epidural Fibrosis (Scar Tissue)

LostYouth — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:24:31 -0800

I have been reading this forum for awhile now and it has helped me in making decisions about my own care. I recently had a microdiscectomy L4-L5 in November. I had the same surgery 6 years ago at L4-L5 L5-S1.

On my most recent MRI done in September, it showed a lot of scar tissue and a medium herniation at L4-L5. My surgeon said that he did not know if it was the herniation causing my pain or if it was the scar tissue. He culd not guarantee that if I had the surgery that my pain would go away.

ever wish u dead

dkroll — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:04:34 -0700

sounds pathetic but being in pain constantly really sucks..all i do is bitch about it all the time. Sitting around all hopped up on pills..what a useless worthless life... this cronic pain shoot sucks! if i didn't have two sons that i love ,i wouldn't be writing this stuff.

Edited by Ron DiLauro, Spine-Health Administrator, : Reason - improper language

Exffor for Pain

suziee — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:57:21 -0700

My Doctor has prescribed Pristiq for my pain. It is I am told the newest version of Exffor. My question is how long does it take for it to start helping with the pain. I'm not sure if I can handle taking it as it is causing my anxiety to spike... Gawd, I can't stand that feeling of being anxious. I am also taking Remeron for anxiety. It seems wierd or scary to be mixing to antidepressants together but that's what my Doctor wants.

Exhausted!

Marti_142 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:00:18 -0700

Help, Please!
I had foot surgery on 7/21, that went great, I get my stitches out tomorrow (oops, I guess that's today.) The pins will stay in another 6 weeks. So I have another 6 weeks of no weight bearing on my right foot.

Failed Posterior Spinal Fusion! No pain until AFTER surgery...

Edy — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:30:18 -0700

I only had my rods in five years before my neck started to curve forward and I have burning, stabbing, aching pains all over my spine, especially where the rods are in my thoracic area, and my neck is super unstable. Anyone else run into this problem???